SFW0068 - Systems Approaches & Advocacy

Course Description

Systems thinking is a way to think about an environment by embracing the complexity that emerges from the interconnection of parts. Systems thinking encourages the shift of perspective that is essential to dealing with the complexities of dynamic social systems-from families to organizations to communities. For human services professionals, systems thinking can be a powerful approach for different disciplines to visualize where they fit into a larger system and how they relate to others thus providing a clear understanding of why they need to work collaboratively. Systems thinking allows for interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing different disciplines together that have knowledge because complex human problems cannot be solved in silos.

This course will help participants enhance their effectiveness as human service professionals and members of organizations and communities through the application of systems thinking. Through adopting a holistic view, participants will be better able to understand the interrelatedness of complex systems and will help to inform the competency domain of community practice in a way that also increases the potential impact of interventions. Enhancing your competency in systems thinking will in turn provide opportunities to demonstrate leadership as you think across family, organization, and community levels.

UPDATE: As of July 1, 2024, Temple University Harrisburg will be changing the 90 day deadline to 30 days. Based on the data collected and feedback from participants, we believe this is in the best interests of the participant to ensure the timely completion of the program. This change will go in effect for all current and future course enrollments starting on that date. 

Learner Outcomes

After completing this module, participants will be able to:

• Identify the levels of the socio-ecological model
• Identify key elements of systems theory/thinking
• Recognize skills and strategies necessary for working and managing across systems
• Describe community diagnosis
• Define key elements of strengths-based community collaborations
• Identify elements of successful interdisciplinary collaborations
• Identify key skills for establishing collaborative relationships 
• Describe actions workers and families can take to advocate for services
• Describe how to help families identify formal and informal resources
• Identify strengths-based approaches for making referrals
• Identify evidence-based practices for effectively working with families, organizational and community systems

Notes

All cancellation requests must be in writing via email to sfwtuh@temple.edu and received by the Temple University Harrisburg staff before becoming effective.

**Please note: If a cancellation request is not made and the registrant does not attend the course as originally scheduled, the registrant is still responsible for payment for the scheduled course.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

All cancellation requests must be received within 72 hours (3 business days) from the date of enrollment in the course AND the registered person has not accessed any portion of the online course. Cancellations that meet the criterial listed above will be eligible for a full refund of fees paid. 

This course has been approved for 0.6 CEUs and 6 Social Work Continuing Education Hours. Temple University is a PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors pre-approved provider of continuing education.

Certificates documenting continuing education hours will be issued by Temple University Harrisburg. Participants must request these certificates through the CE request form/process listed below.

Certificates of completion documenting satisfactory completion of the professional development course will be generated/issued through DestinyOne.

To obtain Continuing Education Hours/Units, please complete the following items:

• Pay the Continuing Education Fee of $20 (optional choice at check-out)
• Complete all required assignments in Canvas and obtain an 80% or higher for passing.
• Complete the CE Request Form (click the blue hyperlink)
• Complete the Course Evaluation (include your name)

Recommendations

To successfully complete the training and activities, the materials needed/recommended are:

• Computer/Laptop (recommend 5 yrs. old or newer)
  • Processor: 2.4 GHz or faster
  • 4 GB of RAM
  • Operating System: Windows 10
• Internet connection (1.5 Mbps-ok; 5 Mbps- better)
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Audio equipment (i.e., computer speakers)
• Web Browser - Google Chrome, recommended
• Software - Microsoft Office and Adobe Reader

Basic Computer Proficiency

• Using a keyboard and mouse
• Selecting, copying, pasting text
• Sending and receiving email
• Saving and retrieving files in different formats (.docx, .pdf, .pptx., etc.)
• Using a text editor (changing fonts, inserting links, using spell check, etc.)
• Browsing for files to attach and upload
• Accessing the Internet using a web browser and resetting basic web browser settings (clearing cache/history, cookies, etc.)

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• SFW Credential : Certificate
• Systems Approaches and Advocacy : Certificate